NLS - NLS9: 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h)

The NLS9: 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h) represents the ninth round of the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland. This four-hour endurance race brings together a diverse field of competitors across multiple classes, from production-based touring cars to high-performance GT3 machines. The NLS series, now in its 49th season, continues to showcase some of the most demanding racing conditions in motorsport.

The Circuit

The Nürburgring Nordschleife serves as the primary venue for this endurance race. NLS events use a combined layout that connects the Grand Prix circuit's short section with the Nordschleife, creating a track approximately 24.433 kilometers in length. The Nordschleife itself measures 20.832 kilometers and features 73 official corners, though drivers often navigate more than 150 distinct bends.

The circuit presents significant challenges through its elevation changes. The track rises and falls approximately 300 meters between its lowest point at Breidscheid and its highest point at Hohe Acht. Maximum gradients reach 17 percent on climbs and 11 percent on descents. This variation in height creates unique conditions throughout each lap.

Notable Sections

The Nordschleife includes several distinctive sections. Hatzenbach, Adenauer Forst, and Wehrseifen test car balance and driver precision. The banked Karussell corner requires specific lines and technique. Pflanzgarten, Brünnchen, and Flugplatz demand commitment and courage. The Döttinger Höhe straight extends for 2.135 kilometers, providing the longest full-throttle section on the circuit.

Race Format

The 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h) runs for four hours of continuous racing. Teams can field up to four drivers per vehicle, allowing for driver changes during mandatory pit stops. The race format tests both speed and reliability, as teams must balance pushing for position against preserving their cars over the distance.

The 2026 NLS season consists of ten races across eight events. This particular weekend forms part of a double-header, with two separate races scheduled on consecutive days.

Participant Categories

The NLS series attracts a wide range of competitors. Entry lists regularly exceed 100 cars across numerous classes and categories.

24h-Specials

The SP9 class features FIA GT3-homologated cars and represents the top performance category. SP9 entries are subdivided into Pro, Pro-Am, and Am classifications based on driver rankings. The 2026 season has already seen Formula 1 drivers compete in SP9, with Max Verstappen racing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in an earlier round.

SP10 accommodates SRO GT4-homologated vehicles, while SP11 includes GT2 cars. SP-Pro accepts prototype race cars with engines exceeding 3000cc. Additional special classes include SP-X for vehicles that don't fit standard classifications, and SP3 through SP8 for different engine displacement ranges.

Production and Cup Classes

TCR Touring Cars run in their dedicated class for FIA-homologated TCR vehicles. VLN Production Car classes span V3 through V6 for naturally aspirated engines and VT1 through VT3 for turbocharged variants. Hybrid and electric categories also compete.

One-make trophy classes add variety to the grid. The BMW M240i Racing Cup, BMW M2 CS Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (CUP2), and Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport (CUP3) each provide competitive racing within their respective specifications.

Technical Regulations

All vehicles must be closed-body touring cars or GT cars with solid roofs. The series prohibits convertibles, open-wheel cars, and formula cars. Each entry must comply with DMSB safety regulations and Nürburgring sound limits.

Sound levels cannot exceed 130dB(A). Racing slicks are permitted across classes. Top categories like SP9, SP-X, and SP-Pro require specific two-stage safety non-return flap valves for refueling, plus additional fuel-tight external closures.

Safety Equipment

Drivers must wear helmets, fireproof racing suits, and gloves. Vehicles require rollover protection devices. All participants must be at least 18 years old and hold valid driver's licenses.

2026 Technical Updates

The 2026 season introduces digital flag panels along the circuit. Twenty-eight units are installed on the Nordschleife, with eight more on the GP circuit. These light panels supplement traditional marshal flag signals and improve visibility during challenging weather conditions common to the Eifel region. Traditional flag signals retain precedence in all situations.

Championship Structure

The NLS awards championship points based on several factors. Race duration, finishing position within each class, and the number of starters in that class all influence point allocations. This system ensures competitive racing across all categories, regardless of outright speed differences between classes.

Track Characteristics

The Nürburgring Nordschleife has operated since 1927. The circuit earned its reputation through decades of professional racing and continues to serve as a primary testing ground for automotive manufacturers worldwide. Many manufacturers maintain development centers near the track.

A single lap on the Nordschleife subjects vehicles to stress equivalent to thousands of kilometers of standard road testing. The combination of high-speed sections, technical corners, and elevation changes creates unique demands on mechanical components, brakes, and suspension systems.

Weather Variability

The circuit's length and topography create variable weather conditions. Different sections of the track can experience completely different weather simultaneously. Rain, fog, or sunshine may affect different parts of the circuit during the same lap, adding complexity to tire choice and racing strategy.

Series History

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie began in 1977 as the VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring). The series operated under the BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft name from 2001 to 2009 before adopting the NLS designation in 2020.

The 66. ADAC ACAS Cup carries forward a long tradition of endurance racing at the Nürburgring. The ADAC organizes this specific race as part of the broader NLS championship, which is managed by the VLN, an association of motorsport clubs.

Fan Access

The Nordschleife maintains its unique character through public access sessions called Touristenfahrten. Outside of race events, enthusiasts can drive their road-legal vehicles on sections of this famous circuit. This accessibility contributes to the track's continued relevance in automotive culture.

What to Expect

The NLS9: 66. ADAC ACAS Cup (4h) at the Nürburgring Nordschleife promises multi-class racing action. The combination of a challenging circuit, diverse competitors, and four-hour race duration creates numerous strategic possibilities. Weather conditions at Nürburg, Duitsland can change rapidly, adding unpredictability to race outcomes. The nls series continues to attract international talent and provides a proving ground for teams preparing for longer endurance events.